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Ex-YSU coach likely to avoid jail time on 4 drug counts
By John W. GOODWIN JR.
YOUNGSTOWN
A former Youngstown State University assistant softball coach charged with drug trafficking has reached an agreement with prosecutors that may allow her to avoid prison in exchange for giving some guidance to young people.
Gina L. Rango, 26, of Woodworth Road, North Lima, was indicted and arrested at her residence by the Mahoning Valley Drug Task Force in May.
She is free on $2,500 bond. She originally pleaded innocent to four counts of Oxycodone trafficking in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.
Earlier this week, however, Rango pleaded guilty to the four felony counts as charged. She will be sentenced Dec. 20 by Judge James C. Evans. She faces a possible six years in prison.
Martin Desmond, an assistant county prosecutor, said, however, the office will not seek prison time for Rango, who has no previous criminal record.
“We will not recommend prison,” Desmond said. “We think it’s better for her to help stop people from using drugs. If she can speak to younger people and keep them from using drugs, I think the community is better served. I believe this is a fitting punishment and is an agreed-upon part of her sentence.”
Desmond said Rango had been a competitive softball player and suffered an injury to her shoulder. Pain from the injury, he said, was managed with prescriptions drugs to which she would later become addicted.
“When her career ended, the addiction didn’t stop. It’s kind of a sad situation and highlights the dangers of drug use,” Desmond added.
“I want her to talk to these kids. This is something that is a big problem with these pain medications.”